Audit Years
Program Code EGL
This sample plan and flow chart is suitable for students starting in:
- 2023–24
- 2022–23
- 2021–22
- The curriculum overview was 127 total credits in General Flow Chart Guidelines.
- Take MA 3160 and MA 2720 instead of GE 2010 and GE 1200 in fall of Year 2.
- Take GE 3040 instead of GE 3200 in spring of Year 2.
- Take summer courses after Year 2 instead of after Year 3.
- Take GE 3850 and GE 3200 instead of MA 2720 and GE 3010 in fall of Year 3.
- GE 3850 is not required in spring of Year 3.
- Take 3 credits of Advanced Geophysics Elective instead of 6 credits of HASS in fall
of Year 4.
- Take 3 credits of HASS, 3 credits of Free Elective, and 3 credits of Geology Electives
instead of MA 3160 and EC 3400 in spring of Year 4.
- GE 4600 was included in Advanced Geophysics Electives.
- Students working from a previous audit year can get the appropriate form from the
undergraduate advisor to ensure they are following the right pathway.
General Flow Chart Guidelines
Flow charts are not an official list of degree requirements. Adjustments may be required
due to curriculum changes. Please see degree audit for official list of requirements.
BS Geology Curriculum Overview (125 Total Credits)
- General Education and Free Electives: 30 credits
- Chemistry and Geochemistry: 11 credits
- Physics and Geophysics Fundamentals: 11 credits
- Calculus, Statistics, and Economic Analysis: 19 credits
- Physical Geology, Mineralogy, Petrology, Structure, Historical, and Depositional Systems:
23 credits
- Computational Geosciences, Geohydrology, and Lower Division Geology Electives: 12
credits
- Field Geology and Geophysics: 11 credits
- Geo Approved Electives: 8 credits
General Education Requirements
I. Core Courses (6 Credits)
- UN 1015
- UN 1025 or one semester of a 3000 level or higher modern language
II. Sophomore Core Courses (6 Credits)
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Social Responsibility and Ethical Reasoning
III. HASS Course Requirements (12 Credits)
- 6 credits 3000- or 4000- level
- 3 credits required from each of these 3 lists:
- Communication and Composition
- Humanities and Fine Arts (HU/FA)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (EC/PSY/SS)
- No more than 3 credits on the Restricted HASS List
IV. Co-curricular Activities (3 units)
The co-curricular requirement consists of three semester units of physical education
activities. These units are for graduation, but are not included in the overall degree-credit
requirement.
Note: Most physical education activities will last for 7.5 weeks or 0.5 semester. A student
would need six of these 0.5 semester units to fulfill the 3-semester unit co-curricular requirement.
Geology Approved Electives (Minimum of 17 credits)
Geo Approved Electives can be from any GE course, but not more than 6 credits at the
2000 level. Courses outside of the department can be used with the permission of the
advisor.
Candidates for a second degree must meet all the coursework requirements for the major
in the second degree with a minimum of 25% of the credit hours required for the degree,
beyond the primary degree.
Year 1
Fall
MA 1160 - Calculus with Technology I
An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, data and numerical calculations.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): ALEKS Math Placement >= 86 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 or ACT Mathematics >= 29 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 680
PH 1100 - Physics by Inquiry I
Experiments covering kinematics, force, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)
CH 1150 - University Chemistry I
Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
CH 1151 - University Chemistry Lab I
Laboratory to accompany CH1150.
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
GE 2000 - Understanding the Earth
Introduction to materials and processes that shape the earth we live on. Lecture and laboratories acquaint students with minerals, rocks, earth resources, weathering, geologic time, landslides, groundwater, streams, shorelines, deserts, glaciers, geologic structures, earthquakes, plate tectonics, and the dynamics of the earth's crust, mantle, and core.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring
GE 1100 - Geological Engineering and Sciences Orientation
Introduction to geosciences as a profession, including discussions of career opportunities and geoscience programs. Earth materials and the earth's processes are also introduced. Includes frequent field trips. Intended for freshman or sophomore students in geological engineering, geology, applied geophysics, hydrology, geotechnics, earth science teaching, or any other geoscience program.
- Credits:
1.0;
Graded Pass/Fail Only
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Geological Engineering, General Sciences and Arts, General Engineering, Mining Engineering, Applied Geophysics, Geology;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Provides direct instruction in composition. Students examine and interpret communication practices and apply what they learn to their own written, aural, and visual compositions. Class projects ask students to communicate in a variety of modes and to attend to audience, purpose, and context.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Total 16 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
- Take MA 1160 or MA 1161 - Calculus Plus w/ Technology I. Take MA 2160 in the spring
of Year 1 and MA 3160 in the fall of Year 2.
- MA 1160 (or MA 1161) can be a pre-requisite or co-requisite of PH 1100. Take PH 2100
in the spring.
- MA 1160 (or MA 1161) can be a pre-requisite or co-requisite of CH 1150. Take CH 1160
in the spring.
- CH 1150 and CH 1151 are co-requisites.
- UN 1015 and PE Co-Curricular are general education requirements.
- Freshman core electives may be taken in either order in the first year.
Spring
MA 2160 - Calculus with Technology II
Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3
PH 2100 - University Physics I-Mechanics
A calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, work and energy, and the universal law of gravitation. C or better/AP credit in Calc 1 or co-requisite registration in PH2110 required.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100(C) and (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 1135) or (CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 and MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))
PH 1200 - Physics by Inquiry II
Experiments covering Coulomb's law, electric and magnetic fields, circuits, induction, and geometric optics are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method.
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100 or PH 1111 or PH 1141 or PH 1161
CH 1160 - University Chemistry II
A continuation of CH 1150. Introduces more complex concepts in chemistry, including kinetics, chemical equilibria, acid-base equilibria, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and chemical analysis. Additional topics may include chemistry of the metals and non-metals, biochemical systems, and nuclear chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture concepts.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): CH 1161
- Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)
CH 1161 - University Chemistry Laboratory II
Laboratory to accompany CH1160.
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Co-Requisite(s): CH 1160
- Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)
Study of contemporary global issues, their origins, impacts, and solutions through the thematic and comparative exploration of worldview and culture, population, globalization, development, politics and global governance, environment, and sustainability. Emphasis on global literacy and information literacy.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Total 15 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
- PH 2100 has PH 1100 and MA 2160 as pre-requisites or co-requisites. Take PH 220 in
fall of Year 2.
- CH 1160 has CH 1150 as a pre-requisite and CH 1161 as a co-requisite.
- One semester of 3000 level or higher language course can replace UN 1025.
- UN 1025 and PE Co-Curricular are general education requirements.
- Freshman core electives may be taken in either order in the first year.
Year 2
Fall
PH 2200 - University Physics II-Electricity and Magnetism
A calculus-based introduction to electromagnetism. Topics include Coulomb's law, electric fields, Gauss's law, electric potential, capacitance, circuits, magnetic forces and fields, Ampere's law, induction, Maxwell's equations, and electromagnetic waves.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): (PH 1200(C) or PH 2261(C)) and (PH 2100 or PH 1160) and MA 2160
GE 2300 - Mineral Science
Chemical composition, crystal structure, physical properties, and identification of minerals. Environmental controls on their formation. Formation processes, characterization of and exploration of ore deposits. Laboratory focuses on hand specimen identification and introduction to X-ray diffraction and SEM mineral analysis techniques.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1000 or CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)
GE 2010 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
This course covers basics in geospatial science from theoretical concepts, data, models, analytical techniques, to practical usage, and applications. Topics will include: fundamental concepts of cartography and mapping systems, characteristics and structure of GIS data, database construction, introduction to GIS data sources, principles and methods in spatial analysis, spatial interpolation, mapping of spatial and applications of GIS. Course will have lab using industry standard software tools.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121
GE 1200 - Introduction to Data Science for Earth Resource Applications
Computational tools used in mining and geological engineering are introduced in earth resource contexts. Approaches for setting up, testing, and applying tools to solve practical problems are demonstrated and practiced.
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)
3 Credits of Critical/Creative Thinking
Total 13 Credits
- PH 2200 has PH 2100, PH 1200, and MA 2160 as pre-requisites.
- GE 2300 has CH 1150 and CH 1151 as pre-requisites.
- Creative/Critical Thinking can be taken in the spring of Year 2 if Soc. Resp./Ethical
Reasoning is taken in the fall. It and PE Co-Curricular are general education requirements.
Spring
GE 3050 - Structural Geology
Rock structures and regional settings resulting from the application of deforming forces, including the geometry, origin, and mechanics of folds, foliations, lineations, faults ad joints, and structures in orogenic belts.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000
GE 2310 - Introduction to Petrology
Identification, physical properties, chemical composition, occurrence, and origin of the important types of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory includes hand specimen description and identification of rocks.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2300
Introduction to elements of modern geochemistry including aqueous solutions, isotopes, age dating, etc. Emphasizes concepts and quantitative methods. Teaches principles of thermodynamics and phase equilibria from an introductory perspective as they pertain to geologic systems.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1150 and CH 1151
3 Credits of Social Reso. / Ethical Reasoning
Total 15 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
- GE 3050 has GE 2000 as a pre-requisite.
- GE 2310 has GE 2300 as a pre-requisite.
- Creative/Critical Thinking can be taken in the spring of Year 2 if Soc. Resp./Ethical
Reasoning is taken in the fall. It and PE Co-Curricular are general education requirements.
Year 3
Fall
GE 3010 - Introduction to Field Methods
Introduction to geology field methods including maps, cross sections, navigation, GPS, field mineral and rock ID, and measurements of geologic features.
- Credits:
1.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2300 and GE 2310 and GE 3050
GE 3100 - Depositional Systems
Introduction to sedimentary processes and their products. Investigates the physical processes controlling sedimentation along with principles of correlation and interpretation of strata. Focuses on interpreting sedimentary rocks as a record of climate, sea-level and tectonic change.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and GE 2310
This course covers the physical and biological history of the Earth from 4.5 billion years to the present. Emphasis on recognizing and evaluating the evidence for large-scale changes in major Earth Systems.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, in even years
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 or GE 2100
MA 2720 - Statistical Methods
Introduction to the design and analysis of statistical studies. Topics include methods of data collection, descriptive and graphical methods, probability, statistical inference on means, regression and correlation, and ANOVA.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mathematics
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1020 or MA 1030 or MA 1120 or MA 1032 or MA 1031 or ALEKS Math Placement >= 61 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540
Total 14 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
- GE 3100 has GE 2000 and GE 2310 as pre-requisites.
- GE 3320 has GE 2000 as a pre-requisite.
Spring
GE 3250 - Computational Geosciences
Introduction to quantitative analysis and display of geologic data using R/Matlab, covering basic R/Matlab syntax and programming, and analysis of one-dimensional (e.g. time series) and two-dimensional datasets (i.e. spatial data). Techniques are applied to geological datasets.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-1)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121
Geologic and hydrologic factors controlling the occurrence, movement, and development of subsurface water. Quantitative methods for analyzing groundwater systems are introduced.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and MA 2160
EC 3400 - Economic Decision Analysis
Studies economic decision-making for actions occurring over time. Covers decision tools for comparing alternatives, public project evaluation, risk and uncertainty, mutually exclusive decisions, multiple objective decisions, interest rate calculations, cash flow analysis, depreciation and taxes, cost of capital, capital budgeting.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Engineering Management, Marketing, Management, Management Information Systems, Accounting, Finance;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
3 Credits of Geology Elective
See Geology Approved Electives above.
Total 15 Credits
- GE 3250 has MA 1160 or MA 1161 as a pre-requisite.
- EC 3400 requires junior standing.
Summer
GE 4091 - Field Geology with Engineering Applications
Introduction to methods and problems of field geology, interpretation of field relationships, and engineering site investigation. Field areas are located in northern Michigan. Requires geological and/or engineering report and memo writing.
- Credits:
5.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-15)
- Semesters Offered:
Summer
- Restrictions:
Permission of department required
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and GE 2310 and GE 3050 and GE 3010
GE 4090 - Field Geophysics
Introduction to field geophysical techniques including basic land surveying. Emphasizes the recording, reduction, presentation, and interpretation of gravity, magnetic, electrical, seismic, and electromagnetic data as well as the proper use, care, and calibration of equipment used to collect the data. Requires report writing. Students must provide their own transportation.
- Credits:
5.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-15)
- Semesters Offered:
Summer
- Restrictions:
Permission of department required
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 3040 and GE 3010
Total 10 Credits
- GE 3910 has GE 2000, GE 2310, and GE 3050 as pre-requisites. GE 2900 AND GE 3915 may
be substituted for GE 3910.
- GE 3910 is now GE 4091.
- GE 3900 has GE 3040 as a pre-requisite.
- GE 3900 is now GE 4090.
Year 4
Fall
3 Credits of Geology Elective
See Geology Approved Electives above.
3 Credits of Geology Elective
See Geology Approved Electives above.
3 Credits of Free Electives
Total 15 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
Spring
MA 3160 - Multivariable Calculus with Technology
Introduction to calculus in two and three dimensions, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include functions of several variables, partial derivatives, the gradient, multiple integrals; introduction to vector-valued functions and vector calculus, divergence, curl, and the integration theorems of Green, Stokes, and Gauss.
- Credits:
4.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2160 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3
EC 3400 - Economic Decision Analysis
Studies economic decision-making for actions occurring over time. Covers decision tools for comparing alternatives, public project evaluation, risk and uncertainty, mutually exclusive decisions, multiple objective decisions, interest rate calculations, cash flow analysis, depreciation and taxes, cost of capital, capital budgeting.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring, Summer
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Engineering Management, Marketing, Management, Management Information Systems, Accounting, Finance;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
3 Credits of Geology Elective
See Geology Approved Electives above.
2-3 Credits of Geology Elective
See Geology Approved Electives above.
Total 12 Credits
PE Co-Curricular (0.5)
Electives
GE 4250 - Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
This course focuses on the basic physics behind above- surface remote sensing and remote sensing systems. Topics covered include: properties of the atmosphere, absorption and scattering of electromagnetic radiation, instrument design, data acquisition and processing, validation, and basic applications.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Spring
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): PH 2200 and MA 2160
GE 4530 - Planetary Geology & Geophysics
Geological, geophysical, and geochemical processes in the Solar System are examined. Topics include the formation and evolution of the Solar System, planetary surface processes and water distribution, impact structures, composition, structure, and dynamics of planetary interiors, geophysical exploration of planets.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and PH 2200 and MA 2160
GE 4560 - Earthquake Seismology
Course covers fundamentals of the physics of earthquakes and seismic energy propagation, and seismic methods to determine Earth structure. Emphasis is placed on natural source techniques, with extension to exploration applications. Weekly labs apply techniques.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall
- Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
- Pre-Requisite(s): GE 3050 and PH 2100
GE 4610 - Formation Evaluation and Petroleum Engineering
Principles and practice of formation evaluation, primarily through analysis of well logs and the principles and practice of petroleum engineering. Emphasizes reservoir engineering and simulation. Students conduct projects using actual field data.
- Credits:
3.0
- Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
- Semesters Offered:
Fall, Spring
GE 4933 - Special Topics in Geophysics
Study and discussion of geophysics topics.
- Credits:
variable to 5.0;
Repeatable to a Max of 10
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required
GE 4962 - Independent Geophysics Research Project
Approved literature, laboratory, and/or field geophysics research problem originated by the student or assigned by the instructor. A final report is required.
- Credits:
variable to 9.0;
Repeatable to a Max of 9
- Semesters Offered:
On Demand
- Restrictions:
Permission of instructor required;
May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
